Police sealed off a churchyard in Stockport town centre after a woman was raped early in the morning on Christmas Eve.

Officers were seen outside St Mary's Church in the Market Place throughout December 24.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of rape and were taken into custody for questioning on Monday.

A GMP spokesman confirmed in a statement on Monday afternoon: "At around 8.05am today (Monday 24 December 2018), police were called to reports that a woman had been raped outside a church on Churchgate in Stockport earlier this morning.

"A woman – aged in her 30's – has been taken to hospital and is being supported by specially trained officers. Two men – aged 44 and 57 – have been arrested on suspicion of rape and remain in custody for questioning.

"A scene is in place and enquiries are ongoing."

Several items of clothing were seen in the doorway of the church and a cordon was placed around the outside of the building for several hours on Monday.

Detective Inspector Julia Bowden, of GMP’s Stockport borough, said: “We have launched a full investigation and have specially trained officers supporting the victim as she receives treatment in hospital.

“Whilst we believe this is an isolated incident and have two men in custody, our investigation is in the very early stages and our enquiries will continue at the scene throughout the afternoon.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they might have even the smallest piece of information that could assist our investigation to please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 405 of 24/12/2018, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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End of live coverage

This concludes our live coverage of the incident. When we have more information, we will post it separately on our website.

13:47KEY EVENT

Detectives ask for witnesses to come forward

Detective Inspector Julia Bowden, of GMP’s Stockport borough, said:

We have launched a full investigation and have specially trained officers supporting the victim as she receives treatment in hospital.

Whilst we believe this is an isolated incident and have two men in custody, our investigation is in the very early stages and our enquiries will continue at the scene throughout the afternoon.

I would encourage anyone who thinks they might have even the smallest piece of information that could assist our investigation to please get in touch as soon as possible.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 405 of 24/12/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

13:43KEY EVENT

Woman raped outside church

GMP have just confirmed that a woman was raped outside the church this morning. Here’s their statement:

Two men have been arrested after a woman was raped outside a church in Stockport.

At around 8.05am today (Monday 24 December 2018), police were called to reports that a woman had been raped outside a church on Churchgate in Stockport earlier this morning.

A woman – aged in her 30s – has been taken to hospital and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Two men – aged 44 and 57 – have been arrested on suspicion of rape and remain in custody for questioning.

A scene is in place and enquiries are ongoing.

13:29

Foil blanket found under police tape

13:22

Cordon still in place outside church

(Image: Alex Rucki / Manchester Evening News)

13:07

Concern from market traders

Alex has been speaking with local stallholders:

Traders in the nearby market hall are open as usual. There’s quite a bit of concern from them that there has been a police incident so close.

13:03KEY EVENT

Latest footage from the churchyard

12:58KEY EVENT

Carol concert organised for tonight

Alex says:

I’m hearing there’s an annual carol concert taking place at the church tonight. We’ve not been given any indication how long the cordon will be here.

12:49

Shattered glass in churchyard

Alex says there’s broken glass strewn over the churchyard today.

(Image: Alex Rucki / Manchester Evening News)

We’re not yet sure if this is related to the police investigation or if it had been there previously.

As soon as we have an update from police, we’ll let you know.

12:36

Latest from reporter Alex

12:30

Officers stand guard

(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)

(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)

12:26

More officers arrive

Alex tells us that extra police have arrived at the church to help with the investigation.

12:26KEY EVENT

Latest photos

Our photographer has just filed these latest images from St Mary’s.

(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)

(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)

12:19

Location of the church

For those who aren’t familiar with the town centre, here’s a description of the scene.

12:16

Police investigation

We’re working hard to confirm more information about this police investigation and as soon as we have the details, we’ll post them here.

12:12

Footage from the scene

12:07KEY EVENT

Items of clothing around the church

Alex adds:

There are some jumpers hanging from street bollards outside of the cordon too.

(Image: Alex Rucki / Manchester Evening News)

12:04

Passersby talking with police

Reporter Alex says:

Outside the churchyard the street is busy with Christmas shoppers.

Concerned passers-by are stopping to chat with two officers. They are being told they cannot give out any further information.

The incident is near to a parade of shops and the market.

12:02

Cordon remains in place

11:58KEY EVENT

Update from the scene

Our reporter Alex is now in Stockport town centre. This was the scene a few moments ago.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

11:52KEY EVENT

Police in Stockport town centre

We’re hearing reports that police have placed a large cordon around St Mary’s Church in the centre of Stockport. Our reporter Alex Rucki is on her way and we’ll have more information for you very soon.